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USA Today
29-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Transfer portal destinations for every former Wisconsin Badger
Transfer portal destinations for every former Wisconsin Badger The 2025 college basketball transfer portal window closed last week, on April 22. However, movement has continued since that date, with players already in the portal still taking time to make their commitment decisions. Wisconsin was busy throughout the transfer cycle. It started red-hot, landing commitments from top targets and hotly pursued players wing Andrew Rohde, forward Austin Rapp and guard Nick Boyd. That trio quickly completed a starting lineup that lost seniors John Tonje, Max Klesmit and Steven Crowl after the 2024-25 season. Their shared profile as versatile offensive threats with three-point shooting ability continues head coach Greg Gard's larger program initiative, one that helped 2024 transfer John Tonje deliver an All-American season. The verdict on the Badgers' transfer movement won't be decided until the season tips off later this year. On paper, the team appears as well-equipped as ever to contend for the Big Ten title and execute a deep NCAA Tournament run. As that plays out, there will be several former Badgers suiting up for other teams. Four scholarship players transferred out during the April transfer window. As of April 27, all four are now committed to new programs: Destinations for every Wisconsin basketball transfer Senior forward Xavier Amos -- Loyola Chicago Sophomore point guard Daniel Freitag -- Buffalo Senior guard Camren Hunter -- Central Arkansas Senior forward Chris Hodges -- Montana State Amos' departure is the most notable of the four, as he was projected to play a significant role in the team's rotation next season. His transfer shares a theme with the rest of the departures -- each exited to a program where playing time and a significant role is likely to be a guarantee. Wisconsin's incoming transfers, Rohde, Rapp and Boyd, eliminated any path to the starting lineup. Recent additions, Aleksas Bieliauskas and Braeden Carrington, also ensured that Freitag, Hunter and Hodges were unlikely to see any meaningful playing time. Their transfer decisions were likely made with the knowledge of Wisconsin's roster plans. Now, the Badgers patiently await a final NBA draft decision from star guard John Blackwell. His return is all that's left in the way of Gard executing what appears to be a perfect offseason. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
23-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin basketball falls in ESPN's early top 25 ranking after transfer portal window
Wisconsin basketball falls in ESPN's early top 25 ranking after transfer portal window Wisconsin basketball dropped to No. 17 in ESPN's updated top 25 ranking for the 2025-26 season. The update follows the conclusion of the postseason transfer window, which officially closed on April 22. While uncommitted players continue to search for transfer destinations, the date marks the end of the significant flurry of postseason movement. The Badgers previously sat at No. 14 in ESPN's initial ranking, released on April 8. The team had already done much of its transfer work by that date, with commitments from Virginia wing Andrew Rohde, Portland forward Austin Rapp and San Diego State guard Nick Boyd. The only notable roster difference in that 15-day stretch is the departure of top bench forward Xavier Amos, who has since transferred to Loyola Chicago. Wisconsin found success this past season playing at a much faster tempo than previous teams under Greg Gard," Jeff Borzello wrote on April 8. "The Badgers were also more reliant on the 3-point shot. Is that their new formula? Gard has already succeeded in the transfer portal in a big way, landing three potential starters in Nick Boyd (San Diego State), Andrew Rohde (Virginia) and Austin Rapp (Portland). All-Big Ten guard John Blackwell is also back to lead the way." The Badgers remain his fourth-best Big Ten team, behind Purdue (No. 1 overall), Michigan (No. 8) and UCLA (No. 14). The other conference foes in the top 25 are Michigan State (No. 20) and Ohio State (No. 24). Greg Gard's team finished the 2024-25 season ranked No. 16 in the AP Poll. It entered the NCAA Tournament at No. 13 nationally, then had its season conclude with a second-round loss to an underrated No. 6-seed in BYU (No. 13 in final AP Poll). The Badgers still have remaining roster needs, including at backup point guard and in the frontcourt. The team's starting five of Boyd, Rohde, Blackwell, Rapp and Winter appears set, though its bench unit still requires a few significant upgrades. For more on Wisconsin's offseason transfer movement, bookmark our 2025 portal commitment and departure tracker. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
08-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin basketball included in USA TODAY's way-too-early top 25 for 2025-26 season
Wisconsin basketball included in USA TODAY's way-too-early top 25 for 2025-26 season Wisconsin basketball appears set for an extended run of success over the next several seasons. The team has consistently improved after missing the NCAA Tournament in 2022-23. That began with a 22-14 2023-24 campaign, then accelerated forward with an impressive 27-10 2024-25 season. Coach Greg Gard is largely to thank for that improvement and positive trajectory. His reshaping of the program's offensive scheme and play style led directly to the breakout of star wing John Tonje, which both aided the team's 27-win season and made the program an attractive destination for top transfer talents. Wisconsin has already capitalized on that momentum in the portal this offseason by landing four-star prospects Andrew Rohde, Austin Rapp and Nick Boyd. The three are set to lead the team's lineup, complementing returning starters Nolan Winter and John Blackwell (assuming he withdraws from the NBA draft). While Wisconsin still has more transfer movement to follow, specifically in key depth roles, the team appears primed for a further step forward in 2025-26. Early rankings are cautiously optimistic in that regard. For example, the team landed at No. 19 in USA TODAY's way-too-early top-25 for the upcoming season. Here is the thought process behind Wisconsin's position: With three projected starters coming via the portal, the Badgers are waiting for rising junior guard John Blackwell to decide whether he'll come back next season or keep his name in the draft. If he does return, Blackwell and former Florida Atlantic and San Diego State guard Nick Boyd will form one of the top backcourts in the Big Ten. The Badgers also brought in a deep threat in wing Andrew Rohde (Virginia) and a very promising young big man in sophomore Andrew Rapp (Portland), the reigning West Coast rookie of the year. The Badgers are the No. 5 Big Ten team in the early ranking, trailing No. 4 UCLA, No. 9 Michigan, No. 11 Purdue and No. 15 Michigan State. As mentioned, the team is set to have one of the best backcourts in the conference with Blackwell and Boyd. Rohde, Rapp and Winter are all fantastic complimentary players, with each shooting at least 35% from 3-point range. The team's major question comes with the bench unit. Jack Janicki is the one returning bench contributor after Xavier Amos' recent departure. The team needs to add several prominent rotational players, specifically in the frontcourt. A No. 19 preseason ranking is a bit measured, given where Wisconsin finished the 2024-25 season and what it has returning to its starting lineup. However, the program tends to excel with lowered preseason expectations. None should be surprised if the team contends for the Big Ten next season and breaks the program's eight-year Sweet 16 drought. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wisconsin updated 2025-26 lineup, transfer portal needs after Xavier Amos' departure
The Wisconsin basketball roster has seen a flurry of movement over the last seven days. After the departures of reserve guards Daniel Freitag and Camren Hunter, the Badgers landed commitments from highly touted transfers Andrew Rohde, Austin Rapp and Nick Boyd. Those three additions, at wing, forward and guard, respectively, bolster a 2025-26 starting lineup that currently projects as one of the better in the Big Ten. The group includes a rising star guard in John Blackwell, assuming he withdraws from the NBA draft, an NBA hopeful in forward Nolan Winter, a sharpshooting wing in Rohde, the 2025 West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year in Rapp and a veteran guard with Final Four experience in Boyd. Advertisement That starting unit represents what has been an impressive transfer cycle to date for Greg Gard and his coaching staff, plus has the team's outlook steadily improving in way-too-early 2025-26 projections. However, one major question still exists. The departure of veteran forward Xavier Amos greatly depleted Wisconsin's depth, especially at forward. The team now returns just one bench contributor from 2024-25: sophomore guard Jack Janicki. Gard now needs to find further transfer additions to fill out the lineup, or else he'll be forced to rely on a group of incoming freshmen and other inexperienced underclassmen. For more on what Amos' departure means for Wisconsin's 2025-26 outlook, here is a fresh look at the team's starting lineup and rotation, plus a ranking of its remaining transfer needs. Wisconsin Updated 2025-26 Starting Lineup Projection Mar 18, 2025; Dayton, OH, USA; San Diego State Aztecs guard Nick Boyd (2) shoots the ball in the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Guard: John Blackwell (Junior)* Guard: Nick Boyd (Senior -- San Diego State transfer) Wing: Andrew Rohde (Senior -- Virginia transfer) Forward: Austin Rapp (Sophomore -- Portland transfer) Forward: Nolan Winter (Junior) Advertisement Wisconsin's starting five could go up against any in the conference. Blackwell and Winter will be popular preseason all-conference selections. Boyd could join that group when the season tips off, especially if he's able to replicate his strong production at San Diego State last season. The major wild cards are Rapp, who is looking to transfer his production from the WCC to the Big Ten, and Rohde, who struggled mightily in his first year at Virginia before a strong 2024-25 campaign. If all three transfers hit, Wisconsin will be good enough to win the conference next season. *(Note: Blackwell declared for the NBA draft on April 3 while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. He remains in the projected lineup, barring an unforeseen rise up draft boards) Wisconsin's Projected 2025-26 Bench/Reserves Mar 16, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers bench players cheer during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images Guard Jack Janicki (Sophomore) Guard Jack Robison (Sophomore) Center Riccardo Greppi (Sophomore) Guard Hayden Jones (Freshman) Guard Zach Kinziger (Freshman) Center Will Garlock (Freshman) Advertisement As mentioned, Wisconsin has major needs on its bench. The team has limited frontcourt depth after Amos' departure. Greppi played sparingly as a freshman last season and Garlock is joining as a true freshman. Wisconsin likely won't rely on either to play significant minutes, which means it needs to land multiple transfers at the position. Janicki leads a reserve guard rotation that could also still use a boost. While Kinziger and Jones are promising, each is joining as a true freshman. Wisconsin's bench unit generated several critical victories during the 2024-25 campaign. As of today, this unit is far from where it needs to be to replicate that impact. Wisconsin Remaining Transfer Portal Needs INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 16: Head coach Greg Gard of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half in the Big Ten men's basketball tournament championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 16, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by) Frontcourt depth (multiple players) Scoring wing Backup guard Advertisement A best-case Wisconsin offseason includes two more transfer forwards, a scoring wing and more guard depth. The first need ranks dramatically above the other two, as Wisconsin can get by without further backcourt depth but would struggle mightily without multiple frontcourt additions. The team currently has just two dependable forwards in Winter and Rapp, the latter who is even a bit of a question. It would be best served to land an experienced veteran plus a lower-level underclassman looking to make a jump. A sentence that would have been hard to believe just two short years ago: Wisconsin needs those additions to become this year's Carter Gilmore. Needs No. 2 and No. 3 are only necessary if the Badgers set out to replicate their terrific 2024-25 depth. An experienced scoring wing would push Rohde to the bench group and significantly lengthen the rotation. Another backup point guard, veteran or not, would further accomplish that task. Frontcourt depth needs to be the main priority for the Badgers. Otherwise, their top-tier starting lineup could be disadvantaged against the conference's deeper units. Advertisement Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin basketball lineup, transfer portal needs without Xavier Amos
USA Today
08-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin updated 2025-26 lineup, transfer portal needs after Xavier Amos' departure
Wisconsin updated 2025-26 lineup, transfer portal needs after Xavier Amos' departure The Wisconsin basketball roster has seen a flurry of movement over the last seven days. After the departures of reserve guards Daniel Freitag and Camren Hunter, the Badgers landed commitments from highly touted transfers Andrew Rohde, Austin Rapp and Nick Boyd. Those three additions, at wing, forward and guard, respectively, bolster a 2025-26 starting lineup that currently projects as one of the better in the Big Ten. The group includes a rising star guard in John Blackwell, assuming he withdraws from the NBA draft, an NBA hopeful in forward Nolan Winter, a sharpshooting wing in Rohde, the 2025 West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year in Rapp and a veteran guard with Final Four experience in Boyd. That starting unit represents what has been an impressive transfer cycle to date for Greg Gard and his coaching staff, plus has the team's outlook steadily improving in way-too-early 2025-26 projections. However, one major question still exists. The departure of veteran forward Xavier Amos greatly depleted Wisconsin's depth, especially at forward. The team now returns just one bench contributor from 2024-25: sophomore guard Jack Janicki. Gard now needs to find further transfer additions to fill out the lineup, or else he'll be forced to rely on a group of incoming freshmen and other inexperienced underclassmen. For more on what Amos' departure means for Wisconsin's 2025-26 outlook, here is a fresh look at the team's starting lineup and rotation, plus a ranking of its remaining transfer needs. Wisconsin Updated 2025-26 Starting Lineup Projection Guard: John Blackwell (Junior)* (Junior)* Guard: Nick Boyd (Senior -- San Diego State transfer) (Senior -- San Diego State transfer) Wing: Andrew Rohde (Senior -- Virginia transfer) (Senior -- Virginia transfer) Forward: Austin Rapp (Sophomore -- Portland transfer) (Sophomore -- Portland transfer) Forward: Nolan Winter (Junior) Wisconsin's starting five could go up against any in the conference. Blackwell and Winter will be popular preseason all-conference selections. Boyd could join that group when the season tips off, especially if he's able to replicate his strong production at San Diego State last season. The major wild cards are Rapp, who is looking to transfer his production from the WCC to the Big Ten, and Rohde, who struggled mightily in his first year at Virginia before a strong 2024-25 campaign. If all three transfers hit, Wisconsin will be good enough to win the conference next season. *(Note: Blackwell declared for the NBA draft on April 3 while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. He remains in the projected lineup, barring an unforeseen rise up draft boards) Wisconsin's Projected 2025-26 Bench/Reserves Guard Jack Janicki (Sophomore) (Sophomore) Guard Jack Robison (Sophomore) (Sophomore) Center Riccardo Greppi (Sophomore) (Sophomore) Guard Hayden Jones (Freshman) (Freshman) Guard Zach Kinziger (Freshman) (Freshman) Center Will Garlock (Freshman) As mentioned, Wisconsin has major needs on its bench. The team has limited frontcourt depth after Amos' departure. Greppi played sparingly as a freshman last season and Garlock is joining as a true freshman. Wisconsin likely won't rely on either to play significant minutes, which means it needs to land multiple transfers at the position. Janicki leads a reserve guard rotation that could also still use a boost. While Kinziger and Jones are promising, each is joining as a true freshman. Wisconsin's bench unit generated several critical victories during the 2024-25 campaign. As of today, this unit is far from where it needs to be to replicate that impact. Wisconsin Remaining Transfer Portal Needs Frontcourt depth (multiple players) Scoring wing Backup guard A best-case Wisconsin offseason includes two more transfer forwards, a scoring wing and more guard depth. The first need ranks dramatically above the other two, as Wisconsin can get by without further backcourt depth but would struggle mightily without multiple frontcourt additions. The team currently has just two dependable forwards in Winter and Rapp, the latter who is even a bit of a question. It would be best served to land an experienced veteran plus a lower-level underclassman looking to make a jump. A sentence that would have been hard to believe just two short years ago: Wisconsin needs those additions to become this year's Carter Gilmore. Needs No. 2 and No. 3 are only necessary if the Badgers set out to replicate their terrific 2024-25 depth. An experienced scoring wing would push Rohde to the bench group and significantly lengthen the rotation. Another backup point guard, veteran or not, would further accomplish that task. Frontcourt depth needs to be the main priority for the Badgers. Otherwise, their top-tier starting lineup could be disadvantaged against the conference's deeper units. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
